A Lipid Profile contains the following components: 

Total Cholesterol
Cholesterol is an essential fat (lipid) in the body. Although it often gets a bad reputation, it plays several important roles:

• Builds and maintains cell membranes.
• Helps produce essential hormones such as testosterone and oestradiol.
• Supports vitamin D and bile-acid production.

Cholesterol is made in the liver and also comes from the food we eat. The two main components of total cholesterol are:

• HDL (high-density lipoprotein) – the “good” cholesterol that protects against heart disease.
• LDL (low-density lipoprotein) – the “bad” cholesterol that, in high levels, can contribute to cardiovascular disease.

Your total cholesterol result on its own is of limited value in assessing heart-disease risk. For example, a high HDL level can raise total cholesterol but actually be protective. Equally, you can have a normal total cholesterol with too little HDL. The balance between HDL and LDL is what matters most.

LDL Cholesterol
LDL cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein) is a molecule made of lipids and proteins that transports cholesterol, triglycerides, and other fats to tissues throughout the body. Excess LDL cholesterol—often called “bad cholesterol”—can lead to fatty deposits building up inside artery walls, increasing the risk of atherosclerosis, heart attack, and stroke.

Non-HDL Cholesterol
Your total cholesterol is divided into HDL (good) and non-HDL (harmful) cholesterol. Non-HDL cholesterol includes LDL as well as VLDL (very low-density lipoproteins) and other particles that also carry fats and can contribute to plaque build-up in arteries. It is calculated by subtracting your HDL value from your total cholesterol and is considered a stronger marker of cardiovascular risk than total or LDL cholesterol alone. The recommended level of non-HDL cholesterol is below 4 mmol/L.

HDL Cholesterol
HDL cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein) removes cholesterol from the bloodstream and transports it to the liver, where it is broken down and eliminated in bile. This “good cholesterol” helps protect against heart disease by preventing the accumulation of harmful fats in blood vessels.

Cholesterol / HDL Ratio
The cholesterol / HDL ratio is calculated by dividing your total cholesterol by your HDL level. It shows how much of your total cholesterol is protective (HDL) versus harmful (non-HDL). A lower ratio generally indicates a lower risk of heart disease and is one of the measures used in tools such as QRisk.

Triglycerides
Triglycerides are a type of fat that circulate in your blood. After eating, your body converts excess calories—whether from fat or carbohydrates—into triglycerides for storage in fat cells, releasing them later for energy. High triglyceride levels can raise the risk of heart disease, especially when combined with low HDL or high LDL cholesterol. Dietary changes, such as reducing sugar and refined carbohydrates, can often help lower triglyceride levels.

What is it?

This combined marker reports your levels of Apolipoprotein A-1 (Apo A) and Apolipoprotein B (Apo B), along with the ratio between them. Apo A-1 is the main protein on protective HDL particles, while Apo B represents the number of potentially harmful LDL and other cholesterol-carrying particles.

Why is it measured?

The Apo B/A-1 ratio provides a more precise picture of cardiovascular risk than standard cholesterol numbers alone. It reflects the balance between particles that can contribute to artery plaque and those that help remove it.

What can high results mean?

A high Apo B level or a high ratio can suggest an increased number of plaque-forming particles and higher long-term cardiovascular risk.

What can low results mean?

A low Apo B level is generally considered favourable. A low Apo A-1 level, however, may indicate reduced protective capacity.

What can affect the result?

• Diet, particularly saturated fat and alcohol intake

• Physical activity levels

• Family history and genetic factors

• Cholesterol-lowering medications

Lipoprotein(a) — Lp(a)

Lp(a) is a cholesterol-carrying particle that is mostly inherited. Unlike other cholesterol types, lifestyle changes don't usually change Lp(a) much over a lifetime.

What might a high result mean?

• Higher Lp(a) adds to your overall risk of heart disease and stroke. It can also be linked with stiffening of the aortic heart valve.

• We usually respond by controlling the risks we can change: lowering LDL/non-HDL cholesterol, managing blood pressure and diabetes, and stopping smoking.

• Close relatives may be offered a test too, because Lp(a) tends to run in families.

What might a low result mean?

• Generally reassuring and often just reflects your genetics.

• We still look at your full cholesterol profile and general health to judge your overall risk.

What is it?

LP-PLA2 (Lipoprotein-associated Phospholipase A2) is an enzyme found mainly on LDL cholesterol particles. It is released by immune cells within the walls of arteries and is considered a marker of vascular inflammation — the type that occurs specifically inside blood vessel walls where plaque can form.

Why is it measured?

It is measured to provide additional insight into cardiovascular risk beyond standard cholesterol tests. Because LP-PLA2 reflects inflammation within the artery wall itself, it can help identify people at higher risk even when standard lipid levels appear normal.

What can high results mean?

A raised LP-PLA2 level suggests increased inflammatory activity within blood vessel walls, which may indicate unstable plaque and a higher risk of cardiovascular events.

What can low results mean?

A low LP-PLA2 level is generally considered favourable, suggesting less vascular inflammation.

What can affect the result?

• LDL cholesterol levels, as LP-PLA2 travels on LDL particles

• Statin therapy

• Active infection or systemic inflammation

• Lifestyle factors including smoking and diet

High Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP)

C-reactive protein (CRP) is made by the liver when there is inflammation anywhere in the body. Levels rise with infection, injury, or chronic disease, but the test does not pinpoint where the inflammation is.

The high-sensitivity test (hs-CRP) detects very small increases that may reflect low-grade, persistent inflammation affecting blood vessels over time. Sustained low-level inflammation of this kind is associated with a higher risk of heart disease and stroke.

CRP can also rise temporarily with acute problems (for example after an injury or during an infection) and usually falls again as healing occurs.